The actress was enjoying a non-romantic meal with a male pal at a private club on Dec. 1 when she caught sight of the "Two and a Half Men" star dining with a quartet of friends across the eatery's patio.

"She approached his table," relays a source. "He gave her a hug, and they spoke for a few minutes."

According to the spy, the tête-à-tête was "polite" but "very awkward."

But the run-in was probably nothing compared to Demi's difficult weekend.

She surfaced in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to attend the funeral of close friend Pattsy Rugg. Unfortunately, not even mourning is considered off-limits these days: Some oh-so-classy paparazzi snapped her wiping away tears as she exited the service.

As for Ashton, he may be looking to invest some of his super-sized sitcom paychecks in real estate.

X17 says he recently peeped out a $10 million "bachelor pad" in the Hollywood Hills. In addition to a screening room, sweeping views and retractable glass walls, the deluxe digs also have -- you guessed it -- a hot tub.

No word on whether Kutcher liked what he saw, but he can probably count on Lea to attend a future housewarming.

After Monday's premiere, the "Glee" diva gushed about what a privilege it was to act alongside a towering talent in the thespian arts, tweeting, "It was such an honor working with you. I cannot thank you enough."